NBC's Fall Schedule: All Leno, All the Time

Last winter we reported that FOX, ABC, and Sony Television all courting Jay Leno in hopes of snatching up the late night ratings king when NBC installs Conan O'Brien as the new host of the Tonight Show in June. Well, NBC shot back, and in a BIG way.

NBC announced yesterday that Leno will be on the NBC primetime schedule in 2009. EVERY NIGHT. Leno will own NBC's 10:00pm hour, airing every Monday through Friday. Basically, he'll be moving his late night show into prime time. NBC will save a ton by airing Leno as opposed to scripted shows. If this works out well, watch for CBS and ABC to ditch their 10:00 slots in favor of a five night strip program.